Employment

Take the Exam Anytime!

• Take the state exam now while you explore other career options.
• Often times, students who take the exam while still in school end up with a job offer by the time they graduate. Students who are registered seniors are encouraged to take the test.
• Proof of degree and transcripts will be required prior to hiring.

STEP 1. Apply and Take the Exam

Employment at the Water Boards begins by completing a state application and exam. For Water Resource Control Engineers, both the application and exam is administered online. For Engineering Geologists and Environmental Scientists, the application is administered online and the exam (also known as the supplemental application) is available in pdf format, which must be downloaded, completed and mailed in to the SWRCB Personnel Office.

Timeframe: The application and exam process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will receive a letter in the mail notifying you of whether or not you were successful in completing the exam and meeting the requirements within 30 days of submitting your application/exam.

STEP 2. Appear on the Employment List

Upon successful completion of the application and supplemental application, you will be ranked and your name will be added to the employment list, which will be used to fill vacant positions for the specific job classification.

STEP 3. Attend Hiring Interview

Hiring interviews are conducted for each job opening throughout the Water Boards.

STEP 4. Appear On The Employment List

If hired, you will serve a 12-month probationary period. Upon completion of the probationary period, you become a permanent employee